LM and EMC Partner for Advanced Research and Development in Israel

Lockheed Martin and EMC will mutually fund and promote research and development projects in cloud computing, data analytics and cyber technology.

Lockheed Martin and EMC Corporation plan to invest together in advanced technology projects based in the Advanced Technologies Park in Be’er-Sheva, Israel. An official launch ceremony for the agreement will take place tomorrow, Jan. 27, 2014, in Tel Aviv, at the Cyber Spark booth at the CyberTech 2014 International Exhibition and Conference, sponsored by the National Cyber Bureau.

These technology leaders intend to jointly develop and enhance partnerships with the Israeli industry, government and academic institutions in Be’er Sheva to explore and promote collaborative research and development projects in cloud computing, data analytics and related cyber technologies. Their combined initial investment will establish a vehicle through which EMC and Lockheed Martin can engage local expertise to develop new solutions and offerings for the companies to bring to market.

Under the arrangement, Lockheed Martin and EMC will identify a series of development opportunities that can be contracted to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and other subject matter experts. Local technology talent supporting the projects will commit to regular project reviews and deliverable schedules in their efforts to develop next-generation EMC and Lockheed Martin capabilities.

Dr. Orna Berry, vice president and general manager of EMC’s Israel Center of Excellence, said, “Israel’s entrepreneurial and academic communities offer a unique combination of talent, innovation and pioneering spirit. We expect this collaboration with Lockheed Martin will help EMC continue to rapidly accelerate our important research and development and contribution to the success of Israel’s mission to be a leader in innovation on the global stage.”

EMC currently employs more than 1,000 people in Israel and has invested billions of dollars in the country through the acquisition of nine Israeli companies, various investments in Israeli technologies, and the establishment of sales and R&D centers in seven locations in Israel. EMC’s activity in Be’er Sheva is expected to expand considerably. EMC presently has several strategic collaborative research projects in Israel in cutting edge technology fields with students and researchers from leading academic institutions.

Already the number one IT solutions provider to the U.S. federal government, Lockheed Martin’s presence in Israel was primarily focused on aerospace and defense endeavors – until now. “Our goal is to foster applied research and continued growth in Israel’s technology sector,” explained Dr. John D. Evans, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of international engineering and technology. “We recognize evolving global needs, as well as the wealth of innovation taking place within Israel and its universities.” The company expects to support additional growth through its recently launched business unit, Lockheed Martin Israel.

Prof. Rivka Carmi, President, Ben-Gurion University, said, "Ben-Gurion University is proud to work alongside Lockheed Martin and EMC. This new initiative will join the successful ongoing BGU-EMC cooperation and will provide an additional framework for close cooperation in sharing and developing research, resources, talent and innovative solutions to national and global challenges.”

Be’er Sheva is ideal for collaboration with industry researchers and thought leaders at Ben-Gurion University. Combined with a thriving start-up ecosystem of top-tier venture capitalists and ongoing development work in the region, Be’er-Sheva offers Lockheed Martin and EMC a unique opportunity for advanced research and development.